Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
This comforting casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots for a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 can 10.5 oz, 298g cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup 120g sour cream
- 2 cups 200g shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 lb 450g frozen tater tots
- ½ cup 75g diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder optional
- ½ tsp paprika optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Beef and Onion
- In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook 1 lb ground beef with ½ cup diced onion, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5–7 minutes. I season with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp paprika (if using). I drain excess fat to keep this hearty tater tot bake from becoming greasy.
Prepare Cream Sauce
- In a medium bowl, I mix 1 can cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup sour cream until smooth. I stir this into the cooked beef and onion mixture for a creamy base.
Assemble Casserole
- I spread the beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. I sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange 1 lb frozen tater tots in a single layer, avoiding overlap for crispiness.
Bake and Add Cheese
- I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are golden. I remove the casserole, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar on top, and bake for 5 more minutes until melted and bubbly. For extra browning, I broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serve
- I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set, then serve warm, scooping generous portions for this cheesy tater tot casserole.
Notes
- Optional garnishes: Add chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch.
- For extra flavor: Consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture or sprinkling with bacon bits after baking.
- Make it a full meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.